The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, stationed at Naval Base, Yenagoa, is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at eradicating criminal activities, illegalities, and the possession of illicit weapons within its designated Area of Operation. The primary focus of these endeavors includes combating sea robbery, piracy, and Crude Oil Theft (COT) in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment.
In a statement confirming these efforts, Commodore AO Ayo-Vaughan, the Director of Information, highlighted the Naval Base’s commitment to maintaining a vigilant presence at sea. The deployment of advanced surveillance infrastructure further underscores the Base’s dedication to monitoring and safeguarding activities within its waters, thereby upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s Maritime domain.
Specifically, NNS SOROH, as part of its steadfast commitment to securing its Area of Operation, executed a strategic operation on November 10, 2023, at 2 am, targeting a suspected sea robbers’ hideout. Acting on credible intelligence, the Base swiftly deployed its anti-sea robbery patrol team from Naval Security Station (NSS 030) situated in Foropa community, southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Upon the approach of the Nigerian Navy Patrol team gunboats, the suspected sea robbers fled into the surrounding foliage.
During the subsequent raid in Southern Ijaw, NNS SOROH’s specialized anti-sea robbery team meticulously cordoned and searched the area, resulting in the confiscation of a significant cache of weapons and equipment. Recovered items included one general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) with 100 links, 2 x AK 47 rifles, one locally made long gun, 2 x Tavor magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62 (NATO), 2 x Cartridge rounds of pump-action gun. Additionally, the team retrieved 2 x 200HP Yamaha Engines, 5 x Baofeng Radios, a Small Techno Android phone, one GPS phone, and 3 x small Techno phones, along with assorted camouflage uniforms. The camp was subsequently deactivated to eliminate any potential shelter for criminals in the vicinity.
Commodore Ayo-Vaughan credited the success of the raid operation to the relentless efforts and dedication of NNS SOROH. Emphasizing the ongoing commitment to national security, he conveyed that under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Nigerian Navy will persist in conducting strategic operations to counter and apprehend criminals seeking to undermine democratic processes, disrupt public peace, or compromise Maritime Security, particularly during and after off-cycle election periods.
He assured stakeholders that the Nigerian Navy would continue to collaborate with all relevant parties to foster a peaceful Maritime environment conducive to lawful business activities, thereby contributing to national economic development and prosperity.
